The Phnom Penh riverside area drew a record crowd for the New Year’s Eve celebrations. - STPM
PHNOM PENH: The Cambodian capital welcomed an unprecedented surge of tourists during the New Year’s Eve celebrations, with a staggering 1,573,479 visitors recorded over Dec 30-31, 2024.
The milestone came as the capital hosted the highly anticipated “Celebrating Cambodia” event, a cultural extravaganza that drew tens of thousands to the heart of the city.
Phnom Penh’s record-breaking numbers were fuelLed by the success of the event, which featured multi-art parades, traditional performances, live concerts and a breathtaking fireworks display in front of Royal Palace.
The event not only celebrated the New Year but also served as a showcase of Cambodian culture, boosting the capital’s reputation as a dynamic and modern tourist hub.
Prime Minister Hun Manet revealed that a total of 3,535,325 tourists – including 3,444,065 domestic and 47,260 international guests – traveled across Cambodia during the festivities.
“The ‘Celebrating Cambodia’ event took place in a happy atmosphere, leaving behind smiles and a gathering of congratulatory messages shared by the large Khmer family,” said Hun Many, president of the Union of Youth Federations of Cambodia (UYFC).
The lively event attracted a large number of visitors and encouragement from domestic and international visitors, according to the Ministry of Tourism.
While Phnom Penh led the pack, other provinces also reported significant numbers of visitors. Preah Sihanouk province drew 422,829 tourists to its picturesque beaches, while Siem Reap and its iconic Angkor temples welcomed 333,660 guests.
Battambang, known for its rich culinary heritage, attracted 324,760 tourists, while Kampot hosted 227,976.
Prey Veng and Kratie, however, saw minimal tourism, with just 2,000 visitors combined. This stark contrast highlights opportunities for developing underexplored regions as viable tourist destinations.
The influx of over 3.5 million tourists during the New Year is expected to provide a substantial economic boost, benefiting local businesses, particularly hotels and restaurants.
With a strong domestic turnout, international tourism remains a growth opportunity. With 47,260 foreign visitors, the Ministry of Tourism is enhancing global promotion campaigns.
Cambodia has embarked on a series of ambitious initiatives to bolster its appeal as a global tourist destination, setting the goal of welcoming five million international visitors by the end of 2024, a feat it achieved. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
